Federal public waters closed to gillnet fishing by all users beginning June 12 Action taken to conserve Kuskokwim River Chinook Salmon

In consultation with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC) and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG), the Federal In-season Manager has closed Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River main-stem and salmon tributaries within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the use of gillnets by all users beginning on June 12, 2017.

Salmon tributaries are the Eek, Kwethluk, Kasigluk, Kisaralik, Tuluksak, and Aniak within the boundaries of the refuge. This includes branch rivers of the Lower Kuskokwim on the East bank that lead to the Eek river.

Non-salmon tributaries 100 yards upstream of their confluence with the Kuskokwim River remain open to all users by means and methods outlined in permanent regulation by the ADFG and the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP). Salmon harvested by gillnets in nonsalmon tributaries may be kept. Targeting species other than Chinook salmon using means and methods other than gillnets remain open to all users under permanent regulation by the ADFG and the FSMP; however, all Chinook Salmon caught must be immediately released.

This closure is based on the need to conserve a lower than average Chinook salmon run. The Federal in-season manager may open Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage to the harvest of salmon by Federally qualified subsistence users. Opportunities for gillnet fishing will be announced in advance of an opening.

This closure has been implemented by Federal Emergency Special Action (3-KS-01-17) under the delegated authority of the Federal Subsistence Board.

Access up-to-date information on fishing opportunities by calling 907-543-1037 or visit the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page or website. Questions? call the Refuge at (907) 543-3151 or at (800) 621-5804.

Additional information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.

Missing out on the latest Federal subsistence issues? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications on the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing fws-fsb-subsistence-request@lists.fws.gov.

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